Jordan-based Emerging Markets Payments (EMP), a leading electronic payment card processing company in the Middle East and Africa region, said it has launched a new card acceptance scheme in partnership with China UnionPay.

EMP currently owns and processes 80 per cent of the point-of-sale (POS) terminals in Jordan, as well as the national interbank switch (Jonet) which connects the networks of automated teller machines (ATMs).

Established in March 2002, UnionPay is a bankcard association established under the approval of the State Council and the People’s Bank of China.


Under this partnership, all China UnionPay cards will be processed by EMP through direct acquiring services. This will allow UnionPay cards to be accepted at Jonet ATMs as well as across EMP’s extensive network of over 12,000 merchants.

“We are pleased to announce our latest partnership with UnionPay. As we continue to expand across the MEA we expect to continue to strengthen our position by partnering with industry leaders,” remarked Hassan Mayassi, EMP’s merchant acquiring CEO and the managing director of EMP Middle East.

“We are committed to growing our presence in Jordan and the Levant, providing state-of-the-art, reliable processing services to our clients across the region,” he added.

The partnership is projected to greatly contribute to the development of EMP and accomplishment of its strategic plan by enabling the company to further expand in current markets and target new markets across the MEA more efficiently.

At present, the Shanghai-headquartered UnionPay has about 400 domestic and overseas associate members. It is recognised as the fastest growing bankcard scheme in the world.

UnionPay cards can be used in more than 141 countries and regions around the world. Under this agreement, banks in Jordan will be able to offer services through their ATMs to UnionPay cardholders including cash withdrawals and balance inquiry. UnionPay cardholders can also use their cards at POS machines across the country.-TradeArabia News Service